Longton Market reached its landmark anniversary on Thursday 2 May 2013. A celebration event was held on Saturday, 4 May

Many of the store-holders dressed-up in period costume to celebrate the 150 years. 
Councillor Paul Shotton, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance, procurement and commissioning, said: “It’s fantastic that the market is celebrating its 150th anniversary in its current position.

“Today the market thrives on mixing traditional market values with a modern, shopping experience. The traders have kept the individual service and the sense of community going within the market.
“Some stalls are run by third generation family members, the family having traded in the market for more than 100 years, so there is a real family atmosphere.”

Markets have been in Longton for at least 224 years, supplying local people with food and provisions of all kinds.

In 1789 one opened in the new Market Square (now Times Square) and Longton became officially listed as a market town in 1802. Times Square was further altered when a new market and town hall was erected in 1844, extending back to Market Lane (now Transport Lane). The present town hall, with the market behind it, was rebuilt 150 years ago in 1863 on Times Square, a short distance away from the original building.

The market’s interior was then completely refurbished in 1991. Longton Market still contains its original bell, used to summon traders to their stalls to commence trading and this tradition still continues.
The market has 83 stalls, 81 of which are currently occupied.

Robert Nixon, markets manager at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The people of Longton have always been big supporters of their market and the traders have endeavoured to support the town and continue trading under all circumstances to ensure the local population has access to fresh food.

“This includes trading from temporary homes during the refurbishment and when the market was taken over for the war effort to secretly store aircraft engines.
“Longton Market has hosted many events in its history due to the fact it’s an ideal platform to reach the local population.
“We really hope local people come and take part in the celebrations as many of them have fantastic stories to share of the last 150 years as told by generations of Longton Market shoppers.”